During the semester, you will each give a 5-minute presentation on a graphic designer (loosely defined) of your choice. At the bottom of this page are some places to look for designers if you are having trouble thinking of someone to research. The person you choose could be alive today or not. It might someone who works with computers or not. He or she could work in a number of graphic arts specialties, such as printmaking, textile arts, advertising, web design, type design, or illustration. He or she might be the founder of an up-and-coming design firm. The person should have a distinctive style and be someone from whom you can borrow visual cues or an aesthetic–someone you see as a current or potential influence on your own work. Please make sure the person has a substantial commitment to or place in graphic design. A strict photographer would not work, but a photographer who makes collages or other digital art might work. A strict fine artist (someone like Monet) would be tricky, but an artist who makes posters (Keith Allen Haring) and silkscreens (Andy Warhol) or who has inspired graphic designers (Frida Kahlo, Piet Mondrian) might work. There are definitely some gray areas, so please confirm your choice with me before you make a decision if you have any uncertainty.
Sign Up
Please sign up for your presentation date here.
The content of the presentation should cover:
- a brief outline of the designer’s life (focusing on creative work and the person’s significance as a designer). For some young designers, you may not find a lot of biographical info, so do your best.
- show examples of the designer’s work and give explanation of how the work fits into a contemporary style or into a historical context.
- reflections on what you take away or borrow from this figure. What do you like about his or her work and how could it be applied to your work? Do you learn anything useful from studying his or her life and career path? How do you see yourself influenced by this designer?
The presentation will be assessed on criteria of content, delivery, and visuals (slides). Content expectations are outlined above. We will cover expectations for delivery and visuals a little later.
Works referenced
Please include a list of works cited or referenced in your presentation. You can include this in the final slide.
Where to find a designer:
List of graphic designers (from Wikipedia)
Dribbble podcast, “Overtime,” which features contemporary designers
Find the graphic design or craft arts section in the library and browse it.